Cut-offs a degree higher

More students are opting for UG courses over engineering

Admissions into degree colleges have begun, with the cut-off marks inching ever higher. In a few colleges, the cut off percentage is 90 per cent for BBA, 75 per cent for BCom and BA.

Overall the cut-offs are about 5 per cent higher than last year in prominent colleges, due to the increase in demand of degree courses, said St Mary’s College, Yousufguda, principal George Mathew.

“Many students who would have opted for engineering earlier are now opting for good undergraduate colleges,” he said.

The cut-off mark at the college is 75 per cent for BBA. 65 per cent for BCom computers and BA MassComm.

For the other courses, the cut-off has been set at 60 per cent. The college considers last year’s cut-off for exceptional achievers in extra-curricular activities.

Many colleges were unwilling to reveal their cut-off marks in view of the online admissions system, DOST. Mr B.P. Padala, chairman, Roots International School of Business and Management, said the cut-off for the BBA was 90 per cent and 75 per cent for BCom and BA. “Cutoffs are increasing as students are moving away from the engineering stream and joining degree programmes.

He expected more students taking non-engineering courses provided colleges maintain high standards.

Father Vincent, Principal, St. Josephs Degree College, said, “We have been asked not to finalise admissions by the government as the court case of autonomous colleges is still pending regarding the online admissions of degree colleges.”